The influence of livelihoods factors on curiosity of students towards private classes

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, the government has been introducing free education since 1931 and continuously providing free education to students from school to university, but the number of students seeking private classes is increasing. Most of the studies conclude that private classes do not have a significant influence on the attainment of higher education, and some scholars argue that private classes are a burden to students. On the other hand, some ideas are being put forward that private education leads students to better results. Beyond that, conditions are increasing for students to move to private classes. Based on these factors, students seek private classes. This study aims to identify the influential social factors of the students’ curiosity to seek private tuition classes. For this purpose, quantitative and qualitative methods were used, under the Kalmunai Education Zone, Maruthamunai was selected as a sample. In the purposive sampling technique, data were collected from students who follow higher studies in Arts, Science, and Mathematics in two National Schools in the Maruthamunai. The questionnaire methods and unstructured interviews were used as data collecting techniques. Data were analyzed through content analysis and MS Excel software. The results showed that livelihood factors of the family such as the parent's borrow low-level income, loaning system, and type of family occupations are playing a major impact on student’s curiosity to seek private tuition classes. Therefore, based on the impact of such factors on the interest in private classes, there should be a focus on conducting policy classes related to private classes in the future.